Benje's Newest Album "Light in the Darkness"Now Available!

About Benje

A musician known for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band. Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album "Elevation" (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Festival of New Trumpet Music and The Iridium.

Daneman is equally passionate in the classroom as he is onstage. He has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Luther College, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He has worked as a faculty teaching artist for The New York Pops, Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance (NYC) and Western Michigan University’s SEMINAR Program, in addition to being the Education Manager for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Currently, Benje is the co-director of the Jazz & Creative Institute, directs the Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, and is co-founder/director of the Kalamazoo Trumpet Workshop.

An avid composer, arranger and music copyist, Daneman has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Spark and Echo Arts (2015 Artist/Composer in Residence) and Redeemer Presbyterian Church (NYC). Additionally, he has collaborated with many composer/arrangers including Dr. Steve Zegree, Peter Prochnow and Roger Treece. In addition to his music and teaching, Daneman works as an arts administrator creating opportunity and managing creative endeavors all across the nation. He has worked with The Festival of New Trumpet Music, jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music Record Label.

Daneman has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY). He lives in Kalamazoo, MI with his wife, jazz singer-songwriter, Ashley Daneman and three daughters.

Guest Artist/Featured soloist

Teaching

Photo: Grant Beachy

He is an expert when it comes to performance, which was evident to us at the onset, and just as impressive is his ability to impart his knowledge joyfully, enthusiastically, and effectively to my group of high schoolers.

— High School Band Director, North Harford High School Pylesville, MA

Private Instructor

Teaching a busy private studio for over fifteen years, Benje is a personal and inspiring educator. He has taught all ages and levels of students, from five years old to senior citizens; from the first time player to professionals. He is available to teach all over the world via Skype and in person in the West Michigan area. He has also taught privately and/or directed ensembles for the NY Pops, the NYC Dept. of Education, the Bronx-based Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance, Lake Michigan College, and Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, MI

Clinician/Adjudicator

A former NY Pops Teaching Artist, Benje is a sought after clinician and adjudicator all across the nation. From presenting clinics at universities (Luther College, McNally Smith College, Concordia University) to working with elementary aged musicians, Benje’s excitement for music and education and unique ability to reach all levels.

Jazz & Creative Institute

Benje is Co-Director/Founder of the Jazz & Creative Institute (JCI) and is deeply involved in much of it's educational programming. He directs the Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra, teaches in JCI's Private Lesson Program and oversees small and large ensemble programming.

Benje Daneman's SearchParty

Photo Credit: Overneath Creative Collective

SearchParty was born out of Benje Daneman's 2015 Artist in Residence with Spark & Echo Arts, a New York City based arts organization. Comprised of some of the best jazz talent on the scene, the band performs and tours Daneman's original compositions and arrangements. Their first album, "Light in the Darkness" will debut in Summer 2018.